497. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Iran? (Question Time) - The Rest Is Politics Recap

Podcast: The Rest Is Politics

Published: 2026-02-05

Duration: 48 minutes

Guests: Rory Stewart

Summary

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss potential U.S. military actions in Iran, the influence of foreign powers in elections, and political vulnerabilities in the UK and Hungary. They analyze the implications of these geopolitical maneuvers and electoral dynamics.

What Happened

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell delve into the current tensions between the U.S. and Iran, questioning whether Donald Trump is deliberately creating chaos as a negotiation tactic. They examine the deployment of U.S. military forces, including the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, to the region, raising concerns about possible military action against Iran. With Iran's military capability being the largest in the Middle East, they evaluate the potential outcomes of a regime change in the country, noting the Revolutionary Guard's significant control over the economy.

The hosts discuss the broader implications of nuclear proliferation, particularly with the expiry of the New START Treaty between the U.S. and Russia. They highlight China's rapid development of nuclear warheads and the growing landscape of global nuclear powers. This context sets the stage for a discussion on the strategic calculations countries might make regarding nuclear armament.

The conversation shifts to the influence of foreign powers in domestic elections, citing Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's international campaigns and Russia's known interference in global elections. They explore Hungary's pivotal role in European politics, especially concerning sanctions on Russia and policies towards Ukraine.

Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton in the UK, where Labour's Keir Starmer faces significant challenges. They discuss the potential impact of a strong reform candidate, Matt Goodwin, on the election outcome and Labour's political strategy.

The hosts also mention the significant financial disparities in election campaigns, referencing a recent Texas election where Republicans heavily outspent Democrats yet failed to secure a victory. They consider the implications of Trump's endorsement and its association with controversial ICE policies.

Lastly, the episode touches on cultural and media topics, such as a high-budget documentary about Melania Trump and an upcoming exhibition at the British Museum featuring Samurai artifacts and the original Darth Vader costume, reflecting on the intersection of politics, culture, and media narratives.

Key Insights